On this episode of SNOWTRAX…
Are you loving all the SHOOTOUTS this season?! This week we’re pitting three of the highest tech, 850-class, naturally aspirated snowmobiles offered this season against one another.
The fellas break things out into into several categories evaluating how our contenders perform in each and then select an overall winner, featuring the MXZ XRS 850 with SMART-SHOX, the Patriot 850 Indy VR1 with DYNAMIX and the ZR 858 CATALYST with ATAC!
AJ installs the latest generation Rouski EVO Wheels from Kimpex and showcase just how easy it is to transition from snow to pavement and back again.
Helmets are a crucial part of any snowmobiler’s gear and FXR’s new 6D ATR-3 helmet is the culmination of innovative technology, superior safety features, and exceptional comfort featuring a sleek and modern design that appeals that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.
Its aerodynamic shape reduces drag and wind noise, enhancing the overall riding experience and its outer shell is constructed from a composite blend of carbon fiber and Kevlar, which not only ensures a lightweight construction but also delivers superior strength and impact resistance setting the ATR-3 apart from conventional helmets, making it a top choice for riders who prioritize safety without compromising light weight.
At the heart of this helmet’s safety features is the patented ODS (Omni-Directional Suspension) technology, which employs a series of dampers that allow the outer shell and inner liner to move independently. In the event of an impact, the ODS system disperses the force across a larger area, reducing the risk of injury. This advanced technology is particularly effective in mitigating rotational forces that can cause brain injuries in the event of collisions.
Comfort is also a critical factor when choosing a helmet, and the 6D ATR-3’s inner liner is designed to provide a snug yet comfortable fit, ensuring it stays securely in place while riding.
Despite its advanced ventilation system, the 6D ATR-3 is designed to minimize wind noise. The aerodynamic shape of the helmet, combined with the strategically placed vents, helps reduce the noise levels, allowing for a quieter and more enjoyable riding experience.
The FXR 6D ATR-3 helmet stands out for its innovative safety features, exceptional comfort, and superior performance. Its advanced materials, coupled with the patented ODS technology, make it one of the safest helmets on the market.
Key Technical Specifications:
See FXR’s full line of snowmobile helmets and riding gear at FXRracing.com.
Luke and AJ pit two of this season’s hottest high-horsepower 50/50 crossover sleds against one another in a battle to see who will reign supreme; featuring the Patriot 9R Switchback Assault 146 vs the Backcountry X-RS featuring the Rotax 850 Turbo R engine.
On this episode of SNOWTRAX…
Let the shootouts continue! Luke and AJ take three of this season’s 600-class entry level sleds and put them through the paces to see which sled takes top spot in a number of categories.
Then Luke walks us through Marlon’s new Xplore Pro III Sled Deck showcasing how this latest edition to the Xplore Pro series exemplifies Marlon’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Then in TEST RIDE, AJ pulls the trigger on the 2025 Polaris Switchback Assault 146 featuring the potent Patriot 9R engine.
Luke highlights the updates to Marlon’s new Xplore Pro III Sled Deck showcasing how this latest edition to the Xplore Pro series exemplifies Marlon’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Are you familiar with the expression “more than the sum of its parts”. This is precisely how I would describe the 2025 Indy XCR with the Patriot 9R 899cc reactor under hood.
On paper its specs look appealing and in pictures it looks even better, but the performance this combo delivers makes it one of the most impressive sleds of the season.
The Patriot 9R’s crank is substantially lighter than the Patriot 850’s, generating less vibration and of equal importance is the lighter crank’s ability to instantaneously “spool” RPM. Let me tell you this – I cannot remember a twin cylinder 2-stroke of any displacement with throttle response as sharp as the 9R.
This combination of quick revving throttle response and a wide spread of ski-lifting torque creates positively heroic launches. Our XCR is a 136 and this track length is perfect for a sled capable of delivering trench digging track speed in the blink of an eye. So far in the sno-mo biz there hasn’t been an engine this strong without a turbo strapped to it.
The new MATRYX-based Indy XCR chassis is perfectly suited for the 9R powerplant. This sled handles incredibly well and although Ski-Doo has stepped up with all new front IFS geometry closely mirroring the Polaris IFS, the XCR with its ditch banging credentials firmly intact can hone the roughest trails and approaches with finesse.
While the XCR’s legacy is rough terrain prowess, the addition of the Patriot 9R engine takes the platform to new heights of performance and capability. This sled can carve the tightest, twistiest trails effortlessly. Its turning posture is delightfully flat relying on its legendary Polaris IFS to maintain forward bite. Throttle-off, on corner entry while you drag the brake mid-turn to complete corner exit using near telepathic 9R throttle response.
Clearly, the 2025 Patriot 9R Indy XCR 136 raises the bar in the high-performance trail category providing more of everything this segment is about. If you’re an 850-class aficionado looking for what’s next, this sled will exceed your expectations by a wide margin.
AJ pulls the trigger on the 2025 Polaris Switchback Assault 146 featuring the potent Patriot 9R engine.
Let the shootouts continue! Luke and AJ take three of this season’s 600-class entry level sleds and put them through the paces to see which sled takes top spot in a number of categories. This shootout features the Polaris 650 Indy SP, Ski-Doo MXZ Adrenaline 600R and Arctic Cat ZR 600 CATALYST.
On this episode of SNOWTRAX…
Luke travels to Finland to check out the radical new Lynx race sled and take part in celebrating the production of over 500,000 Lynx snowmobiles.
In TRAIL TECH we install the latest generation Rouski EVO Wheels from Kimpex and showcase just how easy it is to transition from snow to pavement and back again.
Then in TEST RIDE AJ evaluates Arctic Cat’s fully-jammed 2025 ZR 858 with ATAC featuring the new Garmin G8 display, FOX iQS Shocks with ATAC and the all-new C-TEC2 858 Stroker engine.
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SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
Each season, the SNOWTRAX crew guides viewers through informative and entertaining content; revealing the inside scoop on the latest snowmobiles, accessories and riding destinations that make snowmobiling winter's greatest adventure sport.
SNOWTRAX can be viewed weekly during the winter season in Canada on City TV, Wild TV, REV TV and Sportsman Channel Canada and across America on Sportsman Channel.
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